Registering a death

To register a death, you will need a medical certificate from a doctor. Once you have this you will need to register the death within five days. It is best to do this with a register office in the area that the death took place. If you go to a register office outside the area it may take longer to get the necessary documents and slow down any funeral arrangements.

You will need the following details in order to register a death:

medical certificate with the cause of death - signed by the doctor

date and place of the death

their full names and any previous names - including maiden names (with marriage certificate for evidence)

their usual home address and postcode

their date and place of birth - please bring a birth certificate, if available

their occupation

the full name, date of birth and occupation of their spouse (for a married or widowed woman) or civil partner

National Health Service number, medical card or Serco letter from the Health Authority